Mr Yaakoby said its simplicity enables the lightweight design to be so efficient.

'What makes the Aquarius Engine so revolutionary is its simple design, we took the traditional combustion engine that hasn't really been changed in 150-years and we stripped it down to the bare necessities,' he said. 

'This means a 10kg [22lbs] engine made up of 20 parts that is more efficient than a 200kg [220lbs] engine made of 200 parts.

'For over a century cars have been carrying around a ton of dead weight that has costed us power and efficiency. 

'The Aquarius Engine is cleaner, lighter and greener than anything that has proceeded it.'  

Aquarius claims it is the 'lowest cost, highest power to weight ratio engine known to exist'.

The company is purportedly in talks with 'a number of major car manufactures' to use the engine in hybrid cars, but refused to comment on who this may be.  

Gal Fridman, Chairman of Aquarius Engines, says the engine could also be used as a back-up generator. 

He claims it could power an average flat for almost a month without the need to charge or refuel.

'Households are quickly moving from a television, washing machine and oven to one or maybe even two electric cars, underfloor heating and personal computer servers,' he said. 

'That means the power grid needs to supply way more electricity than ever before and simply won't be able to keep-up.

'That's why we will be offering a personal way of generating your own green electricity at home.'